2025 NFL Trade Deadline Winners and Losers for Every Team

The 2025 NFL trade deadline passed at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. While the NFL trade market is rarely as active at the deadline as other leagues, we saw a good amount of activity this year.

Some teams were buyers. Some were sellers. Few teams were completely inactive, and every franchise had an opportunity to better its short- or long-term fortunes before the trade window closed.

Every year, it seems, some of the best and worst in-season moves end up being those that aren't made.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton and Kris Knox dove into all of this year's deadline decisions to identify the biggest winners and losers of every team.

Trade compensation, perceived value, team needs, franchise outlook and any team- or player-specific factors were all considered here. Hopefully, your favorite team made the right choices because the trade window is closed until the 2026 offseason begins on March 11.

Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals RB Emari Demercado

Winner: RB Emari Demercado

With James Conner out for the year and Trey Benson still sidelined by a knee injury, the Arizona Cardinals were logical candidates to trade for a running back. They didn't, which is a good development for Emari Demercado.

The 26-year-old, who just ran for 79 yards and 5.6 yards per carry against the Dallas Cowboys, needs an opportunity to rebuild his NFL stock. That hit an all-time low when he dropped the ball before crossing the end zone in a Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Benson will eventually return, but Demercado should maintain a backfield role and keep getting chances to prove himself.

Loser: QB Kyler Murray

Arizona didn't make many major upgrades to its offensive supporting cast, which, on one hand, is unsurprising. The team has played well enough with its current group over the past few weeks, beating Dallas and narrowly losing to the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts.

Of course, those games came with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett behind center, averaging a full five points per game more. Kyler Murray has been sidelined by a foot injury, and Jonathan Gannon insists he'll return to the starting lineup when healthy.

Without an improved supporting cast, the offense may regress whenever Murray is back in the lineup. If so, his future in Arizona will become even more uncertain than it already is.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

New Atlanta Falcons K Zane Gonzalez

Winner: K Zane Gonzalez

While the Atlanta Falcons didn't make any major additions via trade, they did sign kicker Zane Gonzalez following a Tuesday workout, according to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

The move is fairly unsurprising, as John Parker Romo missed an extra point in Sunday's one-point loss to the New England Patriots. It's a great development for Gonzalez, though, who was waived by the Washington Commanders in April.

Loser: QB Kirk Cousins

Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins "made it clear" he wanted an opportunity to start, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. With multiple teams battling injuries or poor play at the quarterback position, his desire never felt far-fetched.

However, the Falcons opted to keep the 37-year-old as veteran insurance behind Michael Penix Jr. That's not the worst idea for them, especially since Cousins has already started one game in place of the Washington product this season.

However, it means Cousins won't have his own team until 2026 at the earliest.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Outside linebacker Dre'Mont Jones

Winner: Pass Rush

In October, the Baltimore Ravens traded edge-rusher Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman. Before the deal, Oweh played a rotational role, lining up for less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps.

The Ravens found a replacement and an upgrade in a deal with the Tennessee Titans, acquiring Dre'Mont Jones, who can line up in multiple spots across the front seven.

In nine games with the Titans, Jones recorded 4.5 sacks and 10 pressures. He'll provide a solid boost to Baltimore's pass rush. 

Loser: Run Defense

The Ravens took a significant loss when they placed two-time Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike on injured reserve. Baltimore fields the 21st-ranked run defense, giving up 4.5 yards per carry, which ranks 22nd across the league. 

Without Madubuike, the Ravens don't have enough beef up front to slow down physical ground attacks, which may become a problem as temperatures drop in November and December games. They needed an addition on the interior of the defensive line.

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman

Winner: WR Keon Coleman

Though NFL insiders linked the Buffalo Bills to wide receivers potentially available on the trade market, they didn't bring in another set of hands for their passing attack, which is good news for Keon Coleman.

The 22-year-old isn't on pace to top his receiving numbers from the previous year, and he's averaging just 9.8 yards per catch. Still, he is second on the team in targets (41) and receptions (29).

Without another addition to the wide receiver corps, the 2024 second-rounder will have a chance to make a more significant impact on the back end of the season. 

Loser: QB Josh Allen

The Bills watched the wide receiver trade market dry up quickly on Tuesday. They missed out on Jakobi Meyers and Rashid Shaheed, two receivers linked to the club days before the deadline.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Bills inquired about Meyers. Russini's colleague, Joe Buscaglia, linked Shaheed to Buffalo because of the team's need for speed at receiver.

Buffalo isn't in desperate need of help at wideout, but if it had pulled off a trade for Meyers or Shaheed, it could have propelled its passing attack to a top-10 unit. Josh Allen must continue to elevate a mediocre receiver corps. Currently, Khalil Shakir leads the group in catches (38), receiving yards (399) and touchdowns (three).

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales

Winner: Head coach Dave Canales

The Carolina Panthers didn't make any splashy moves, and that's pretty much what was expected. CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported before the trade deadline that they were expected to take a patient approach.

"I don't get the sense they are under any illusions they are one player away from a deep playoff run," he wrote. "They will want to keep legitimate capital to continue building through the draft."

While fans might have wanted the 5-4 Panthers to make a win-now deal or two, the lack of any panic moves suggests the team is happy with the current development path. In other words, Dave Canales is nowhere near the hot seat.

Loser: RB Chuba Hubbard

Running back Rico Dowdle appeared to fully take over the Carolina starting job in Week 9, logging 25 carries to Chuba Hubbard's five.

While Hubbard is under contract through 2028, the Panthers can get out of his deal as early as next offseason without massive cap implications.

With several teams navigating running back injuries around the league, Hubbard might have been hoping for a fresh starting opportunity elsewhere. Instead, he'll continue to be pushed out of the Carolina spotlight.

Chicago Bears

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New Chicago Bears edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

Winner: Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

The Chicago Bears added edge-rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in a late-round pick swap with the Cleveland Browns. It was a savvy move for a team that just lost pass-rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to a season-ending Achilles tear.

However, Tryon-Shoyinka is a bigger winner than the Bears here. He goes from a Browns team battling for a top pick to a Chicago team with legitimate playoff hopes.

The 2021 first-round pick should also get an expanded role out of the deal. He had played just 31 defensive snaps for Cleveland before he was dealt.

Loser: Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen

While adding Tryon-Shoyinka was a fine bargain move, it isn't likely to outright replace Odeyingbo. Barring a surprise, Tryon-Shoyinka isn't likely to substantially improve a pass defense ranked 25th in yards allowed.

Tryon-Shoyinka has just 15 career sacks in four-plus seasons.

With other NFC contenders adding the likes of Quinnen Williams and Jaelan Phillips, Tryon-Shoyinka probably isn't the bit of help defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was hoping to get.

Cincinnati Bengals

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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter

Winner: LB Barrett Carter

Over the past month, Barrett Carter surpassed Logan Wilson on the depth chart. He started in the last four games and solidified himself as the centerpiece of the Cincinnati Bengals defense.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bengals traded Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys, providing certainty for Carter's short-term future. The rookie fourth-rounder will likely start for the remainder of the season.

Loser: Defensive Coordinator, Al Golden

Despite the positive development for Carter, the Bengals failed to add a playmaker for their defense, which is giving up the most points and yards through nine weeks. 

Star edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson is out with a hip injury, and rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart is week-to-week with a knee injury. Without help in sight, the Cincinnati defense may go down as a historically poor unit in terms of points and yards allowed.

Cleveland Browns

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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski

Winner: Head Coach Kevin Stefanski

The Cleveland Browns could have done what the New York Jets did in trading away roster assets, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, in a full-blown rebuild. 

Cleveland didn't make any major incoming or outgoing moves on Tuesday, which will allow head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff to develop the roster with a young offensive group that includes rookies Dillon Gabriel, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr.

Because of inexperience at key positions, Stefanski could see another year in Cleveland if the team shows improvement in its last nine games.

Loser: RB Jerome Ford

In this year's draft, the Browns added Judkins and Dylan Sampson. When healthy, Judkins is the featured tailback. Sampson has shown the ability to catch out of the backfield, hauling in 20 of his 23 targets for 133 yards.

Buried on the depth chart, Jerome Ford touched the ball four times in Cleveland's last two contests. Headed toward the free-agent market in 2026, the fourth-year veteran won't be able to increase his market value alongside two younger running backs.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Dallas Cowboys franchise owner Jerry Jones

Winner: Franchise Owner/GM Jerry Jones

On Monday, Dallas Cowboys franchise owner Jerry Jones hinted that a trade was in the works.

On Tuesday, Dallas announced it had acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals. Later in the day, the Cowboys brought in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.

The deal for Wilson, who is a good linebacker coming from another bad defense, feels a lot like fan service. The deal for Williams will improve the defense but comes at a heavy cost.

Most importantly for Jones, though, the trades allow him to combat any perception that he isn't trying to win—a perception that became very strong when he traded his best defensive player, Micah Parsons.

Loser: Cowboys Fans

So, the Cowboys added two defenders to a unit ranked 31st in both yards and points allowed. That's great, but it isn't enough to change the course of Dallas' season.

The Cowboys are 3-5-1 and may struggle to finish above .500, even with Wilson and Williams in the fold. Furthermore, the Williams trade does not look impressive when compared to the Parsons trade.

Dallas got two first-round picks and Kenny Clark for Parsons. It gave up a second-round pick, a first-round pick and Mazi Smith for Williams. Essentially, the Cowboys moved up a round in the 2026 draft and got some long-term savings to flip Parsons and Smith for Clark and Williams.

Sorry, Cowboys fans. It's still a net loss for the franchise.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram

Winner: TE Evan Engram

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Denver Broncos were eyeing the tight end market. Head coach Sean Payton likely wanted to bolster his 17th-ranked passing attack before the trade deadline, possibly at the expense of Evan Engram.

This past offseason, Denver signed the 31-year-old to a two-year, $23 million deal, but he hasn't quite played up to the team's investment in him. He has 26 receptions for 215 yards and a touchdown in eight contests, but he'll hold on to a significant role. 

Loser: Secondary Depth

In Week 8, two-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II suffered a pectoral injury that will sideline him for multiple games. Without him, the Broncos still field a strong defense. They also have rookie first-rounder Jahdae Barron to fill voids in the secondary.

However, considering Surtain's injury, Denver could be vulnerable in coverage for the short term. Also, if the Broncos lose a defensive back down the stretch, it would put a lot of pressure on the front line in pass defense.

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Detroit Lions G Kayode Awosika

Winner: G Kayode Awosika

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell admitted last week that he didn't expect the team to make a move.

"I don't, but that doesn't mean we won't," he said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

The Lions didn't make any major additions, and they also lost guard Christian Mahogany to a knee injury in Week 9—an injury that will likely keep him out until "late December," according to Birkett.

Kayode Awosika stepped in at guard in Week 9 and may not get an extended run with Detroit's starters. The 2021 undrafted free agent has been with the Lions since 2022 but has only made seven career starts.

Loser: QB Jared Goff

Mahogany's injury is significant, and the Lions also watched Taylor Decker and Tate Ratledge leave Sunday's game with injuries, though both returned. Penei Sewell also went to the locker room with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, though he didn't miss a play.

These injury concerns, combined with Detroit's lack of deadline reinforcements, should concern Jared Goff, who was sacked five times in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Green Bay Packers

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Green Bay Packers TE Luke Musgrave

Winner: TE Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a torn ACL on Sunday, which isn't a win for the rest of the team. It will, however, open up opportunities for Luke Musgrave, especially since the team didn't trade for a tight end to replace Kraft.

Musgrave, a 2023 second-round pick, had largely fallen out of Green Bay's passing game plan as Kraft ascended. He had a season-high 34 receiving yards in Week 9, and he should now get more opportunities to make a positive impression in a contract year.

Loser: QB Jordan Love

While Kraft's injury opens the door for Musgrave, it also takes away Jordan Love's most trusted target. Kraft had racked up 489 yards and six touchdowns on 32 receptions while providing a 148.6 passer rating when targeted.

Browns tight end David Njoku, who will be a free agent in the spring, seemed a logical replacement for Kraft, given his athleticism and after-the-catch ability. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Browns were never inclined to move him.

Maybe Musgrave will thrive in his new opportunity; if not, Love will wish Green Bay had gotten him help at the deadline.

Houston Texans

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Houston Texans running back Woody Marks

Winner: RB Woody Marks

Because of the Houston Texans' inconsistent passing offense, it would have been reasonable for them to add another running back and go all-in with their ground attack. Woody Marks, Nick Chubb and another veteran could have shouldered the load while Joe Mixon is on injured reserve.

However, the Texans stood pat at the deadline. With quarterback C.J. Stroud's status in question this week, Marks could see a heavy workload on Sunday. The rookie fourth-rounder is the most dynamic playmaker in Houston's backfield and could finish the season on a strong note.

Loser: QB C.J. Stroud

The Texans struggled moving the ball through the air in the first half of the season. Houston should have aggressively tried to add a veteran wideout to help him and its 18th-ranked passing attack.

Stroud is in concussion protocol ahead of a crucial division matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Because of the youth at receiver around Nico Collins, the Texans could continue to see poor performances out of their passing offense.

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Cornerback Sauce Gardner

Winner: CB Sauce Gardner

Sauce Gardner will join a 7-2 club that's playoff-bound after eight weeks with the New York Jets, who are at the bottom of the AFC East at 1-7. He's the clear-cut winner in the blockbuster deal between the Indianapolis Colts and Gang Green.

Moreover, Gardner hasn't played his best football over the last two seasons after a couple of standout campaigns. He may need a change of scenery to rediscover his All-Pro form. 

The Colts need the 25-year-old, too. They field the 26th-ranked pass defense, which allowed 312 or more yards twice over the last four weeks. Charvarius Ward is on injured reserve, and fellow cornerback Jaylon Jones just returned to action from a hamstring injury last week.

On the Indianapolis roster, Gardner is by far the most talented cornerback and with the highest ceiling. 

Loser: CB Jaylon Jones

When Ward returns from injured reserve, Jones will likely lose his starting job with Gardner coming over from New York and Kenny Moore II in the slot.

Last season, Jones fared well as a starter in all 17 games, allowing an 86 passer rating in coverage. He's a 2023 seventh-round pick who exceeded expectations in 2024.

When healthy, though, Ward probably reclaims a lead position on the boundary. Indianapolis signed him to a three-year, $54 million deal this past offseason.

Jones will soon fall into a backup role in the Colts' secondary.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Winner: WR Jakobi Meyers

If you can't beat them, join them. Just days after the Jacksonville Jaguars' 30-29 overtime victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Silver and Black dealt Jakobi Meyers to them for fourth- and sixth-round picks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

In August, Meyers requested a trade while in a contract dispute with the Raiders. Despite his desire to leave Las Vegas, he suited up for seven of the team's eight games. 

However, when asked about his future, the 28-year-old told reporters he still wants to go elsewhere. The Raiders honored his request and sent him to a winning club that needs help at wide receiver with Travis Hunter (on injured reserve), Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown dealing with injuries.

Loser: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas could be a loser in the long-term aftermath of the Jaguars' deal with the Raiders for Meyers.

On Bleacher Report's live stream, NFL insider James Palmer talked about how the trade could impact Thomas' future.

Thomas will be under pressure to produce in a lead role after an inconsistent start to the season. He's battled injuries, but when healthy, the Pro Bowl wideout hasn't made strides following a strong first year in Jacksonville, logging 55 or fewer receiving yards in six out of eight outings.

If quarterback Trevor Lawrence immediately clicks with Meyers, Thomas could be the subject of trade rumors in the offseason. Jacksonville's acquisition strengthens its receiver corps, but it could also serve as a warning to Thomas.

Kansas City Chiefs

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt

Winner: RB Kareem Hunt

Running back Isiah Pacheco is week-to-week with an MCL injury. In his absence, Kareem Hunt handled the bulk of the workload in the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, logging 11 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown.

In the first half of the season, rookie seventh-rounder Brashard Smith made contributions in the short passing game, but he's clearly behind Hunt in the pecking order out of the backfield.

The Chiefs trust Hunt to help balance the offense on the ground.

Loser: Offensive-Line Depth

On Monday, rookie first-round left tackle Josh Simmons returned to the team after missing four weeks due to a personal matter, but right tackle Jawaan Taylor suffered an ankle injury in the team's previous outing. 

The Chiefs may have to rely on Wanya Morris or Jaylon Moore to fill in for Taylor. However, this situation is far from ideal—Patrick Mahomes looked unsettled in the pocket in Week 9, completing only 44 percent of his passes and taking six sacks over the last two games.

NFL teams are usually hesitant to trade quality offensive linemen, which puts the Chiefs' offensive-line depth in a tough spot.

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/David Becker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech

Winner: WR Jack Bech

Starting in Week 5, Jack Bech saw a significant increase in his workload, but he didn't play an offensive snap in Week 9, following the Las Vegas Raiders' bye week.

With Jakobi Meyers' departure to Jacksonville, Bech will likely see the field again in three-receiver sets alongside Tre Tucker and Tyler Lockett or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Bech possesses a skill set similar to Meyers, who lined up in the slot and on the perimeter in the offense. After two collegiate terms on the inside at LSU and two years on the outside at TCU, the Raiders selected Bech in the second round of this year's draft. Now, they'll need him to fill a significant role in their 21st-ranked passing attack.

Loser: G Jackson Powers-Johnson

According to The MMQB's Albert Breer, Jackson Powers-Johnson has clashed with the Las Vegas Raiders' coaching staff, which made him a possible trade target. 

The Raiders moved the 22-year-old from center to right guard, where he's competed with Alex Cappa for playing time. 

As the 2023 Rimington Trophy Award winner, which is given to the best center in college football, Powers-Johnson may not be happy about moving to a new spot and being in an ongoing competition for a starting role at guard.

The second-year pro is in a tough spot in an uncertain future with the team.

Los Angeles Chargers

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal

Winner: RB Kimani Vidal

Before Kimani Vidal broke out with a couple of 100-yard rushing performances, NFL insiders linked the Los Angeles Chargers to running back trade targets, but the club didn't make any additions to its backfield.

Running back Najee Harris is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and rookie tailback Omarion Hampton is on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. When the latter returns, he'll likely split the rushing workload with Vidal.

Loser: QB Justin Herbert

Joe Alt will undergo ankle surgery and miss the remainder of the season, which means Justin Herbert won't have either of his starting tackles in the second half of the campaign. Two-time Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater tore his patellar tendon in August.

Los Angeles acquired Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints, which doesn't improve Herbert's pass protection.

In his first few years with the Saints, Penning struggled at tackle. This year, he transitioned to guard. According to Pro Football Focus, the fourth-year pro has allowed three sacks while on the field for 234 pass-blocking snaps.

Herbert took six sacks in the team's previous matchup with the Tennessee Titans. He could be vulnerable in the pocket behind a couple of backup tackles, even with Penning in the mix.

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/George Walker IV

New Los Angeles Rams CB Roger McCreary

Winner: CB Roger McCreary

The Los Angeles Rams didn't make a blockbuster deal, but they made a savvy addition by acquiring Roger McCreary in a late-round pick swap with the Tennessee Titans.

It's a great deal for the Rams, who paid very little for a 2022 second-round pick with plenty of upside. It's an even better development for McCreary, who goes from one of the NFL's worst teams to one of its best.

The 25-year-old is in a contract year and should have a prime opportunity to raise his free-agent profile with one of the league's top franchises.

Loser: CB Tre Brown

Unfortunately, someone had to go in order to make room for McCreary on L.A.'s active roster. The Rams waived veteran corner Tre Brown to create a roster spot, which obviously isn't ideal for the 2021 fourth-round pick.

Los Angeles had signed Brown in September, and he appeared in five games playing exclusively on special teams. He's now out of work and may have difficulty latching onto a team for the second half of the season.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb

Winner: QB Tua Tagovailoa

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle's name popped up in trade rumors. If the Miami Dolphins traded him, Tua Tagovailoa would have had some difficulties moving the ball through the air. 

Keep in mind that the Dolphins lost wideout Tyreek Hill to a season-ending injury and tight end Darren Waller is on injured reserve with a pectoral injury.

Tagovailoa needs Waddle to keep Miami's offense competitive in the team's last eight games.

Loser: Edge Bradley Chubb

Leading up to the trade deadline, Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips generated buzz. The Dolphins traded the latter, but the former will remain in Miami on a 2-7 team that's headed nowhere this season.

Coming back from a torn ACL, Chubb looks solid on the edge. He's recorded 25 tackles, four sacks and five tackles for loss in nine games. The ninth-year veteran will play out the season with an uncertain short-term future under interim general manager Champ Kelly.

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Winner: QB J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings will be J.J. McCarthy's team for the rest of the season, as long as he stays healthy.

The 2024 first-round pick started the first two games before suffering an ankle injury. Carson Wentz started the next five games and played reasonably well before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

McCarthy is now healthy, back in the lineup and won't spend the rest of the season looking over his shoulder.

Minnesota could have made a move to add veteran depth at the deadline. With only McCarthy and rookie Max Brosmer on the depth chart, it still might add a quarterback. However, the Vikings didn't trade for anyone who might be a viable threat to McCarthy's job.

Loser: Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores

The Vikings were in the market for a cornerback well ahead of the deadline, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. It turns out that a truly elite option was available.

The Jets decided to deal standout corner Sauce Gardner, and the Colts swooped in to snag him for a pair of first-round picks.

To be fair, that's a hefty price for a defensive back who hasn't played up to his usual standard this season. However, defensive coordinator Brian Flores would have loved having a player like Gardner to help boost Minnesota's 20th-ranked scoring defense.

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson

Winner: RB TreVeyon Henderson

TreVeyon Henderson could break out in the second half of the season. Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a toe injury that sidelined him in Week 9, which left Henderson and Terrell Jennings to split touches out of the backfield.

Despite showing electric playmaking ability in the preseason, Henderson has yet to showcase his capability in a signature regular-season performance.

However, considering the New England Patriots didn't add a running back while Stevenson recovers from injury, the rookie second-rounder could be in line for more touches in the coming weeks.

Loser: Pass-Rush Depth

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Patriots wanted help in the pass rush. They're 26th in pressure rate at 17 percent, which explains why the club needed reinforcements on the edge or another disruptor in the middle.

Without any additions, the Patriots will rely heavily on their back-end coverage when the defensive front doesn't apply much pressure on the quarterback. New England's defense may be vulnerable to mobile signal-callers who can throw accurately on the move. 

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis

Winner: General manager Micky Loomis

The New Orleans Saints have the rest of the season to evaluate rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough, but he has done nothing to this point to suggest he's the quarterback of the future.

General manager Micky Loomis might get a chance to find his franchise QB in the 2026 draft. New Orleans would have the No. 2 overall pick if the season ended today, and trading both Rashid Shaheed and Trevor Penning can only help its draft positioning.

Losing Shaheed won't help Shough succeed, but it will help the Saints keep losing. Loomis nets draft picks for Shaheed and Penning, and he gets to keep No. 1 receiver Chris Olave, a likely extension candidate.

Loser: WR Chris Olave

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Bills were "one of" the teams that inquired about wide receiver Chris Olave. However, it looks like he will play on the fifth-year option in New Orleans next season.

While Olave could still land a lucrative second contract with the Saints—and possibly find a better quarterback situation than what New Orleans has in Shough and Spencer Rattler—landing in Buffalo and chasing a Super Bowl with the reigning MVP would have been nice.

New York Giants

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

New York Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Winner: Young Skill Players

The New York Giants lost both Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo to season-ending injuries.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Giants were inquiring about receivers and running backs "to make sure they have enough offensive playmakers to keep rookie QB Jaxson Dart on a strong developmental track."

However, New York didn't add to either position at the deadline. That's not ideal for the Giants, but it means young players like running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., wideout Wan'Dale Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson will continue getting opportunities to showcase their long-term potential.

Loser: QB Jaxson Dart

While maintaining the status quo might be good for some of New York's youngsters, it's not a great outcome for Dart.

The Mississippi product has played extremely well this season, especially considering the state of his supporting cast. However, he has largely been forced to carry the offense, which has left him susceptible to a lot of physical punishment.

New York's hope for a better future rides entirely on Dart, and it would have been smart to get him some help in the form of a reliable receiver or physical running back. The rookie will just have to work with what he's got for the time being.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

New York Jets new general manager Darren Mougey

Winner: General Manager Darren Mougey

New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey pulled off the biggest trades ahead of the deadline.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets acquired two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Sauce Gardner. Gang Green sent Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-rounder and a 2027 first-round pick.

The Jets have five first-round picks over the next two years, which will allow Mougey to rebuild the team with his vision. Sure, it's odd that he traded Gardner just four months after signing him to an extension, but the Colts offered a deal that was hard to refuse for a 1-7 team with key roster needs, including a quarterback.

Mougey possesses the draft capital to execute a proper rebuild that can set the path for a brighter future at One Jets Drive.

Loser: RB Breece Hall

According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, Breece Hall "wants to be out." The Jets didn't move him, which means the third-year running back will play out the final year of his rookie deal in New York.

In the offseason, Hall will likely garner a lot of interest as a free agent, but for now, he's stuck in New York on a 1-7 team that just lost a couple of key defenders.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio

Winner: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio

General manager Howie Roseman was busy ahead of the trade deadline, adding several talented depth pieces for the Philadelphia Eagles' defense.

Cornerback Jaire Alexander, corner Michael Carter II, and edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips are now Eagles and will help aid the defense down the stretch. That's huge for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

A year ago, Fangio oversaw a unit ranked first overall and second in points allowed. The Eagles currently rank 23rd and 19th in those categories, respectively. While he may not replicate last year's results, he'll have more options with which to work than he had just a few days ago.

Loser: Edge Josh Uche

Phillips cost a third-round pick and will probably enter the Eagles' long-term plans because of the price point—though he's only under contract through this season. His addition clouds the future of fellow edge-rusher Josh Uche.

Uche signed a one-year, $1.9 million deal with the Eagles this offseason, eying an opportunity to reestablish himself in Fangio's defense.

While he has shown some flashes and recorded a sack in Week 7, Uche can probably forget about putting up big numbers over the second half of the season and cashing in next spring.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Freed

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III

Winner: WR Calvin Austin III

After the Pittsburgh Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, they've needed a reliable No. 2 wide receiver to complement DK Metcalf.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Steelers contacted the Las Vegas Raiders about Jakobi Meyers, but they traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which leaves Calvin Austin III in a position to finish the campaign as the No. 2 wideout.

Austin missed two games because of a shoulder injury, but he returned in Week 8. In the Steelers' last outing, he caught five passes for 56 yards. As a starter, the third-year wideout could build on a solid 2024 campaign.

Loser: The Ground Attack

Pittsburgh may lose guard Isaac Seumalo for some time, after he suffered a pectoral injury in Week 9. The Steelers need quality depth at the position and a big body in the trenches to clear running lanes for their 30th-ranked rushing attack.

If Seumalo is out, the Steelers will struggle to balance their offense around 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers and a shaky receiver corps.

San Francisco 49ers

Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini

New San Francisco 49ers edge Keion White

Winner: Edge Keion White

The San Francisco 49ers acquired pass-rusher Keion White from the Patriots last week. While he isn't going from a bad team to a good one, he had fallen out of favor in New England and should now get the chance to revitalize his NFL stock.

The 49ers had already lost pass-rusher Nick Bosa for the season, and now they've lost rookie first-round pick Mykel Williams to a torn ACL.

After playing just 40 percent of the defensive snaps in New England this season, White is poised for a prominent role in San Francisco.

Loser: Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh

Williams and Bosa aren't the only injuries San Francisco has suffered on the defensive side of the ball—Fred Warner's season-ending ankle injury was arguably the biggest of the bunch.

While the 49ers did land White, they missed out on Sauce Gardner, who played for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in New York.

It's unclear whether the 49ers had any real interest in Gardner, but they were interested in Cincinnati defenders like Logan Wilson, Trey Hendrickson and Cam Taylor-Britt, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

None of those players made their way to San Francisco, either.

Seattle Seahawks

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New Seattle Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed

Winner: WR Rashid Shaheed

On Tuesday, the Seattle Seahawks sent fourth- and fifth-round picks to the Saints for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. The speedy playmaker will help Sam Darnold and the offense. However, Shaheed himself should be viewed as the big winner.

Seattle is a legitimate Super Bowl contender, while the Saints are rebuilding—and quite possibly tanking. It should be a welcome change of scenery for Shaheed, who gets to finish out his contract year with one of the better teams in the NFC.

Loser: CB Riq Woolen

Cornerback Riq Woolen gets to play the rest of his contract year for a contender, but he still comes out of the trade deadline as a loser. That's because the Seahawks reportedly don't view him as a building block.

"They've been wanting to move him for a while," one executive said, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "He doesn't fit what [head coach Mike Macdonald] wants to do."

Had the Seahawks found a trade partner, Woolen could have gotten a fresh start, perhaps with a team that would be willing to invest in him long-term. Instead, he'll play out the year in a scheme that doesn't highlight his strengths before trying to find a new home in 2026 free agency.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Tez Johnson

Winner: Tampa's Reserve Receivers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't add a significant piece to their receiving corps, which may have surprised some, given their injuries at receiver—and, specifically, Mike Evans' status on injured reserve.

According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, though, the Buccaneers like the receivers they have and were never likely to make a significant move there. That reality most benefits players like veteran Sterling Shepard, rookie Tez Johnson and 2024 undrafted free agent Kameron Johnson.

These pass-catchers will get to keep putting quality reps on film, helping to ensure they have an NFL future.

Loser: QB Baker Mayfield

While the Bucs may like their current group of receivers, that doesn't mean the receiving corps is as good as it could be. Adding a legitimate Pro Bowl talent to help replace Evans would have been a massive boon for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield's early MVP buzz has dissipated, as he has underwhelmed in back-to-back games. Maybe he can right the ship and actually get an MVP boost by playing with a patchwork receiving corps. He'd have probably appreciated Tampa making his job a little easier, though.

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley

Winner: DL Jihad Ward

Following the departure of Dre'Mont Jones, Jihad Ward should retain a significant role for the Tennessee Titans defense in the team's remaining games. Over the last few weeks, he's seen an uptick in his snap count after playing about 50 percent or less of the defensive snaps early in the season.

Like Jones, Ward can line up on the edge or on the defensive line. At 31, he doesn't possess much upside, but the ninth-year veteran could extend his career as a productive player for a below-average defense.

Loser: WR Calvin Ridley

Quarterback Cam Ward and wide receiver Calvin Ridley haven't clicked in the passing game. The 30-year-old wideout has just 16 receptions for 290 scoreless yards in six games. He's missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury.

According to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, the Titans wanted to trade Ridley, but ESPN's Turron Davenport refuted that report.

With a rookie signal-caller, the Titans shouldn't be eager to trade Ridley, but the veteran wideout may want to play elsewhere amid a tough year in Tennessee. 

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota

Winner: QB Marcus Mariota

During Sunday night's loss, Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow that will cause him to miss "several games" at least, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This meant the Washington Commanders could have been in the market for a new quarterback.

However, the Commanders didn't make a move for a potential starter, meaning Marcus Mariota will get more opportunities to start this season.

Mariota hasn't been a full-time starter since 2022, but the 32-year-old has been a quality backup in Washington. He's playing on a one-year deal and might be able to parlay his latest opportunity into a sizeable free-agent contract—either as a backup or bridge starter—in the spring.

Loser: Commanders Fans

It's been an up-and-down season in Washington, but things went from bad to worse because of Daniels' injury just ahead of the trade deadline.

It always felt like a regression was possible after last year's surprise trip the NFC title game. However, fans had reasons to believe the Commanders could turn things around, stack a few wins and become buyers at the deadline.

Instead, it's starting to feel like a lost season in Washington.